ISO 14001

ISO 14001 sets out the criteria for an environmental management system. It maps out a framework that a company or organization can follow to set up an effective environmental management system, which equips it to continually remove or reduce the environmental hazards it faces. This is achieved by systematically identifying, evaluating, controlling and improving environmental aspects that arise in the course of managing the organization. Like ISO 9001, the standard is applicable to all industries and sectors, regardless of size. Having an environmental management system is now a requirement in global trade, and in some fields is obligatory to ensure continued business opportunities.

ISO 14001 can improve an environment management system by grasping, controlling and checking environmental influence on an organization in accordance with the Plan-Do-Check-Action model, which is a fundamental concept in management.

Adherence to the ISO 14001 standard indicates that a company is strongly committed to manage its activities which can greatly affect the environment by minimizing wastes, preventing pollution and mitigating environmental impacts. An ISO 14001 certified company can be trusted to be a responsible, conscientious and environmentally savvy business partner.
 

Compared with other companies, ISO 14001 certified companies have:

• Reduced wastage of raw materials and energy, translating directly into cost savings
• Greatly reduced risk of running afoul of environmental regulations
• Improved company-wide morale and a better public image
• Reduced impacts to the environment
• Effective utilization of natural resources
• Waste minimization
• Waste management system that is compliant to local regulations

ISO 14001 is an integral part of the EU’s Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS). Once a site is ISO 14001 certified, it is relatively easy to convert that certification to EMAS